Baker Mayfield isn't the only Buccaneer searching for a new deal.
Vita Vea has been sitting out of practices, including mandatory minicamp. NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo that Vea's lack of participation is contract-related, per sources informed of the situation.
The 31-year-old Vea enters the final year of his four-year, $71 million extension signed early in 2022. He's set to make $17 million in base salary with zero guaranteed money. Vea's $17.75 million per-year average ranks 19th among interior defenders. Nine of those players are earning $24-plus million per season, topped by Chris Jones at $31.75 million.
Coach Todd Bowles brushed aside a question about Vea, noting that the veteran was healthy, but mentioned nothing of a contract dispute.
"We don't need to see him right now," Bowles said, .
A two-time Pro Bowler, Vea manhandles offensive linemen in the middle of the Bucs' defense. He's a one-man run game destroyer and can still generate penetration, earning 35 career sacks. Sans the big man, the Tampa defense would be in a sore spot.
It remains to be seen whether the Bucs have an appetite for an extension for the veteran nose tackle, or how long such a deal might be. A short-term extension that leapfrogs Vea up nearer the top of his position but doesn't break the bank long-term could make sense for both sides.
If a deal doesn't get done by training camp in late July, the question is whether Vea will conduct a hold-in that is a bit louder.
